Smithsburg Middle named National Blue Ribbon School
Editor's note: This story was updated at 3:35 p.m. Sept. 19, 2023, to correct a quote from Superintendent David Sovine.
Smithsburg Middle School is one of six schools in Maryland recognized by the U.S. Department of Education today as a National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023, according to a news release from the department.
Deputy U.S. Secretary of Education Cindy Marten shared the news this afternoon with the school in a video message on behalf of U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
Smithsburg Middle School is one of 353 schools recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments.
“We are honored to receive this award, which is a result of a deeply dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to help our students grow and achieve,” Principal Matt Hoffman said in a news release from Washington County Public Schools. “Our intentional focus on literacy is a top priority and spans all content areas. Our teacher teams collaborate daily, ensuring high quality instruction is being provided to all students. Unequivocally, our staff's tremendous effort and ability to grow and strengthen relationships with our students makes a positive difference at Smithsburg Middle. Without these strong bonds, success would not be possible. Staff, students, and the community should be very proud of this achievement!”
Smithsburg Middle, which has 534 students, was nominated as an Exemplary High Performing School, according to the Education Department's website. Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests, according to the release.
"Being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School is a great honor that is only achieved through hard work, attention to detail, and a commitment to meeting each student where they are and helping them learn each day," WCPS Superintendent David Sovine said in the school system release. "All of the teachers, administrators, and education support professionals who serve the students at Smithsburg Middle are to be commended for this outstanding achievement.”
In it's application, school leaders noted the pride Smithsburg Middle's students, staff and families have.
"Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Smithsburg Middle School (SMS) has a diverse student body, serving both urban and rural communities in the area," the application reads. "While our students and their families are very different from one another, all stakeholders are linked together as proud Smithsburg Leopards."
Smithsburg Middle School representatives are invited to attend the National Blue Ribbon School recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 16 and 17.
What is the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program?
With its 40th cohort, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,700 schools, according to the release. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for — and attaining — exemplary achievement. National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of American schools and serve students of every background.
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: 'Strong bonds' help Smithsburg Middle win National Blue Ribbon honor
